The Plateau State Executive Council has agreed to create a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. This is to help better coordinate government efforts for vulnerable people and those affected by emergencies.
The decision was made during a council meeting led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, on Wednesday.
Joyce Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, shared the council’s decisions in a statement.
Mrs Ramnap mentioned that the new ministry will have a clear structure for managing humanitarian aid, social support, and programs to reduce poverty across Plateau.
She added that the ministry will include the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Trauma Centre. However, it was not clear if these agencies will merge with the new ministry or just report to it.
This development comes as Plateau faces ongoing humanitarian issues from communal violence, displacement, and other emergencies affecting communities throughout the state.
SEMA has been in charge of organizing emergency responses and relief efforts in Plateau, including helping those displaced by crises and disasters.
The commissioner said this new setup aims to improve how government agencies work together. It will also boost collaboration between the state and federal governments on humanitarian and poverty-reduction efforts.
She stated that the ministry will help ensure that aid is directed to the people who need it most.
The council also approved plans to renovate the administrative buildings of Jos Main Market and Satellite Market.
According to the commissioner, the renovation aims to enhance how the markets function, operate, and are managed.
Additionally, the council agreed to buy and install more solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras. They also plan to maintain the existing streetlights in the Jos-Bukuru area.
In this approved security and infrastructure plan, 4,029 streetlight units will be included, and 199 CCTV cameras will be purchased and installed in two phases.
The government explained that these steps aim to improve safety and surveillance in the metropolis.
These projects come amid ongoing worries about security in certain parts of Plateau. Authorities have faced pressure to enhance surveillance, emergency responses, and the protection of residents.
The new CCTV cameras and more streetlights could also help monitor public areas and assist security agencies in handling incidents. But the government did not provide details on where the cameras will be placed or when the projects will be finished.
Mrs Ramnap said these projects and changes show the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable people, enhancing public safety, and supporting economic activities.
She emphasized that the state government is dedicated to policies and programs that promote inclusive development and create an environment for sustainable economic growth.
Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo and other members of the State Executive Council attended the meeting.
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